US10288221B2 - Big mass battery including manufactured pressure vessel for energy storage - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the inventive concept include a manufactured pressure vessel including pressure cells having an impermeable layer containing porous material in which air can permeate, and a big mass layer disposed atop the pressure vessel to pressurize the air within the pressure vessel. The impermeable layer can include rubber from recycled vehicle tires. The big mass layer can have a total weight of between one (1) million and one (1) billion tonnes, or more. The big mass layer can include a remediated upper surface. The pressure vessel can include an interface section through which the air can enter and exit the pressure vessel. Pressure lines can be coupled to the interface section. A turbine center can be coupled to the pressure lines to generate electricity in response to pressurized air received through the pressure lines, or to pump air through the pressure lines into the pressure vessel to pressurize the pressure vessel.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/137,730, filed Mar. 24, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application pertains to energy storage, and more particularly, to a big mass battery including a pressure vessel for storing energy on a massive scale.

BACKGROUND

Energy is the lifeblood of civilization. Without access to affordable and clean energy sources, civilizations struggle to advance their modern societies. While advances in the areas of clean energy generation have been prevalent in the past few decades, advances in energy storage technologies have not been as prevalent, and are woefully inadequate in terms of cost and performance. This presents a particularly acute problem because most clean energy generation technologies are periodic in nature. For example, the output from solar farms occurs only during the day. By way of another example, the output from wind farms is somewhat unpredictable due to changes in weather patterns. Because of the uneven generation schedules, the energy must be stored for later use, or otherwise wasted.

Even with the latest advances in chemical battery technologies, such storage technology still remains prohibitively expensive and impractical—particularly on a large scale, and also have the disadvantage that they consume new raw materials to produce new battery units. Moreover, the relatively short life expectancy of conventional chemical batteries means that businesses must often allocate additional capital to the repair or replacement of large battery installations.

Today, approximately ⅔ of the energy sources used to generate electricity in the U.S. are fossil-fuel based. Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity emits CO₂into the atmosphere. Scientific research indicates that the increasing CO₂content in the atmosphere due to burning fossil fuels is changing the atmospheric weather on Earth. Public policy in the U.S. and world-wide is increasingly focusing on lowering and ultimately eliminating CO₂emissions. One approach to minimizing CO₂emissions is to replace fossil fuels sources with renewable, intermittent or cyclical, low-carbon energy sources such as solar photovoltaic, wind, ocean wave, lake wave, ocean tide, lake current, river current, or the like.

Fossil fuels enable near on-demand generation of electricity: when demand is higher, more fossil fuels are burned in a power plant to increase the amount of electricity being burned. But electricity consumption is intermittent, cyclical, and seasonal. The demand for electricity is largely decoupled from the natural processes that give rise to the intermittent and cyclical nature of the availability of some renewable energy sources. It is common for wind energy to vary from a minimum of near zero to a typical maximum over a typical period on the order of days to a week. The intensity of sunlight at a location varies strongly with the time of day, season, weather, air clarity, and so forth. Oceanic wave energies vary on the hourly to monthly timescales. Oceanic tidal energies range from a typical minimum to a typical maximum approximately twice daily.

Accordingly, a need remains for improved methods and systems for storing energy on a massive scale. Embodiments of the invention address these and other limitations in the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example perspective view of a big mass battery system including a big mass battery and a manufactured pressure vessel for energy storage, built in the vicinity of a strip mine, in accordance with various embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2B illustrates a close-up view of a section of the cross sectional view ofFIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A illustrates another example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3B illustrates a close-up view of a section of the cross sectional view ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A illustrates yet another example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4B illustrates a close-up view of a section of the cross sectional view ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A illustrates still another example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5B illustrates a close-up view of a section of the cross sectional view ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A illustrates another example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6B illustrates a close-up view of a section of the cross sectional view ofFIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example perspective view of a big mass battery system including a big mass battery and a manufactured pressure vessel for energy storage, built in the vicinity of an open pit mine, in accordance with various embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example cross sectional view taken along Z′-Z of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example cross sectional view taken along Z′-Z of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another example cross sectional view taken along Z′-Z of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 11 illustrates still another example cross sectional view taken along Z′-Z of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 12 illustrates still another example cross sectional view taken along Z′-Z of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing approximate power generation figures for the big mass batteries ofFIGS. 1 and 7.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example plan view of a strip mine having multiple mining strips.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of the strip mine ofFIG. 14 prior to the mining strips being mined.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example cross section view taken along X′-X of the strip mine ofFIG. 14 after mine overburden is removed in a mining strip from above a coal seam.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example cross section view taken along X′-X of the strip mine ofFIG. 14 after coal is removed in the mining strip from the coal seam.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example cross section view taken along X′-X of the strip mine ofFIG. 14 including a pressure cell bottom part and a pressure cell side part of a pressure vessel disposed in a mining strip in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIG. 19 illustrates another example cross section view taken along X′-X of the strip mine ofFIG. 14 including additional parts of the pressure vessel disposed in two adjacent mining strips in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIG. 20 illustrates another example cross section view taken along X′-X of the strip mine ofFIG. 14 including additional parts of the pressure vessel disposed in three adjacent mining strips in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIG. 21 illustrates another example cross section view taken along X′-X of the strip mine ofFIG. 14 including additional parts of the pressure vessel disposed in four adjacent mining strips in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIG. 22 illustrates another example cross section view taken along X′-X of the strip mine ofFIG. 14 including additional parts of the pressure vessel disposed in all of the illustrated mining strips in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example cross section view taken along Y′-Y of the strip mine ofFIG. 14 including the pressure vessel disposed along the length of a mining strip in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example pressure cell of the pressure vessel ofFIG. 14, including enhanced porosity parts disposed therein, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example perspective view of a big mass battery system including a big mass battery and a manufactured pressure vessel for energy storage, built in the vicinity of a landfill, in accordance with various embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example cross sectional view taken along U′-U of the big mass battery prior to construction of the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 25.

FIG. 27 illustrates another example cross sectional view taken along U′-U of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 25.

FIG. 28 illustrates yet another example cross sectional view taken along V′-V of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 25.

FIG. 29 illustrates still another example cross sectional view taken along U′-U of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 25.

FIG. 30 illustrates still another example cross sectional view taken along V′-V of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel ofFIG. 25.

The foregoing and other features of the various embodiments of the inventive concept will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to enable a thorough understanding of the inventive concept. It should be understood, however, that persons having ordinary skill in the art may practice the inventive concept without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a data set could be termed a second data set, and, similarly, a second data set could be termed a first data set, without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “coupled to,” or “connected to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly coupled to or directly connected to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly coupled to,” or “directly connected to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terminology used in the description of the inventive concept herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concept. As used in the description of the inventive concept and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the inventive concept include a big mass battery for storing energy on a massive scale. Embodiments of the inventive concept can be used to accumulate and store energy during timer periods when excess energy is available from renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, ocean wave, lake wave, ocean tide, ocean current, lake current, river current, or the like. Embodiments of the inventive concept can be used to release energy during time periods when electricity consumers demand electricity.

To replace near-on-demand fossil fuel sources with intermittent or cyclical renewable energy sources, it is necessary to couple electricity generation to demand. This can be accomplished using intermittent or cyclical renewable energy sources by storing renewable energy when it is available and releasing it to generate electricity on-demand when electricity is needed. The capacity of energy storage needed to permit the replacement of fossil fuel burning with renewable energy sources for the U.S. electricity grid is probably on the order of ¼ to ½ of the present-day fossil fuel net generation, or ⅙ to ⅓ of overall net generation (as fossil fuel net generation accounts for about ⅔ of overall net generation in the U.S.).

A future U.S. electricity grid that is dominated by intermittent and cyclical renewable energy sources and with usage demand largely decoupled from renewable energy availability on a local or even regional spatial scale likely requires energy storage capacity perhaps ¼ to ½ of the net generating capacity of the renewable energy sources when such sources are running at average their average capacity. Embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein concern the building of large-scale, non-chemical big mass batteries, using local materials. Each big mass battery can have energy storage and electricity generation capacities similar in scale to that of a typical power plant. Embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein may be the missing, strategic piece of the puzzle that will enable large scale replacement in the U.S. of fossil fuel electricity generating power plants with renewable energy power plants. The geographical distribution of this energy storage capacity ideally correlates with the geographical distribution of the renewable energy sources and/or the locations of the electricity consumers.

As used herein, the term “big mass” is mass on the order of is to 1000s of millions of tonnes. For example, the big mass used in a big mass battery can have a total weight or mass of between one (1) million and one (1) billion tonnes, or more. By way of another example, the big mass used in a big mass battery can have a total weight or mass of between one (1) million and two (2) billion tonnes, or more. By way of another example, the big mass used in a big mass battery can have a total weight or mass of between one (1) million and three (3) billion tonnes, or more. By way of another example, the big mass used in a big mass battery can have a total weight or mass of between one (1) million and five (5) billion tonnes, or more. By way of another example, the big mass used in a big mass battery can have a total weight or mass of between one (1) million and ten (10) billion tonnes, or more. Various human activities, on an integrated annual basis yield big mass having one or more of the following characteristics: it is loaded onto trucks or other transport mechanisms, it is moved across the surface of the Earth, and it is dumped or placed into temporary or permanent storage. For example, people worldwide create big mass in the form of municipal solid waste, mineral processing wastes from mining (e g, mine overburden, waste rock, and tailings), coal ash, soil and rock contaminated with unwanted chemicals and/or isotopes, or the like.

The term big mass battery as used herein is an energy storage device that uses big mass for pressurizing a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel can include fluid input piping and fluid output piping to accumulate, store, and release compressed air. The compressed air can be pressurized using renewable energy sources, and subsequently released to generate electricity on demand using one or more turbines.

Building big mass battery devices for energy storage may offer a coal mining community a life line and a new, renewable energy-based, electricity-producing economy separate from the historical and current, coal-based, electricity-producing economy. Coal mines and the communities they support that adapt and build big mass battery devices may outlive mines and communities that do not. Big mass battery devices may offer hope for jobs and families in coal mining communities. Importantly, the U.S. currently needs coal mining for the foreseeable future because in 2014 coal powered about 39% of the U.S. electrical grid, and it will likely take 20+ years to phase out and replace coal. Embodiments of the inventive concept described herein, when built in conjunction with an active coal mine, may provide a win-win situation for the old and new economies.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example perspective view of a bigmass battery system100 including a bigmass battery110 and a manufacturedpressure vessel125 for energy storage, built in the vicinity of a strip mine, in accordance with various embodiments of the inventive concept. General edge boundaries of the bigmass battery110 are indicated by X′, X, Y′, and Y designators. The bigmass battery110 includesmine overburden115 disposed atop the manufacturedpressure vessel125. The bigmass battery110 can occupy the strip mine. Theupper surface120 of themine overburden115 can be remediated. For example, trees and vegetation (e.g.,135) can be planted to grow on theremediated surface120, farmland cultivated, grazing areas established, or the like. Theupper surface120 of themine overburden115 can be substantially coplanar with asurface130 of the surrounding terrain. Walls of the manufacturedpressure vessel125 can include a substantially impermeable layer that is capable of substantially containing a fluid such as compressed air, water, or the like. The impermeable layer can have a low fraction by volume of interconnected pores and a relatively low permeability. For example, the impermeable layer of the walls of the manufacturedpressure vessel125 can be constructed of rubber. The rubber material can be recycled rubber, for example, from discarded rubber vehicle tires. Thepressure vessel125 can also contain porous earthen materials such as sand, gravel, stones, or the like, within which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can permeate. In some embodiments, the bigmass battery110 is about 1000 meters long and about 1000 meters wide. It will be understood that other suitable dimensions are possible without departing from the various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein.

Gravity can cause themine overburden115 to apply pressure to thepressure vessel125. Thepressure vessel125 can include aninterface section140 through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit thepressure vessel125 via one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144). The one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144) can be coupled to theinterface section140. For example, the fluid can enter thepressure vessel125 viapressure line144 and/or exit thepressure vessel125 viapressure line142. The pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144) can include a pipe, a hose, a tunnel, or the like. In some embodiments, a single pressure line can be used through which the fluid can both enter and exit thepressure vessel125. In some embodiments, a pressure line can be used to pump water out from one or more pressure cells of thepressure vessel125. For example, water can be pumped out of porous medium parts within thepressure vessel125. In some embodiments, a pressure line can be used to inject air into one or more pressure cells of thepressure vessel125. In some embodiments, a pressure line can be used for producing or extracting air from one or more pressure cells of thepressure vessel125. The pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144) can be connected to aturbine center145.

Theturbine center145 can include one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155). The one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155) can generate electricity by way of pressurized fluid received via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144). Alternatively or in addition, the one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155) can pump fluid into thepressurized vessel125 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144).

Theturbine center145 can be connected to apower station160 viaelectrical line152. Theelectrical line152 can be, for example, an electrical cable. Theturbine center145 can provide electricity to thepower station160 via theelectrical line152. In some embodiments, theturbine center145 can draw electricity from thepower station160 via theelectrical line152. Thepower station160 can be connected to awind farm165 viaelectrical line170, and/or to asolar farm175 viaelectrical line180. Thepower station160 can receive electricity from thewind farm165 via theelectrical line170, and/or from thesolar farm175 via theelectrical line180. Thepower station160 can provide electricity to the electrical grid via anelectrical line185 andpower grid lines190, and/or receive electricity from the electrical grid via theelectrical line185 and the power grid lines190.

During off-peak times, or when thepower station160 otherwise receives electricity from thewind farm165, thesolar farm175, and/or thepower grid lines190, that is more than can be immediately accommodated or transferred to the grid, thepower station160 can send the excess electricity to theturbine center145 via theelectrical line152. Theturbine center145 can then pump the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) into thepressure vessel125 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144), which provides gravity and pressure-based energy storage on a massive scale.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of the bigmass battery110 including the manufacturedpressure vessel125 ofFIG. 1.FIG. 2B illustrates a close-up view of asection205 of the cross sectional view of the bigmass battery110 ofFIG. 2A. Reference is now made toFIGS. 2A and 2B. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated.

In the close-up view of thesection205 of the cross sectional view of the bigmass battery110, various layers are shown. For example, layer T1 corresponds to themine overburden115, which pressurizes the manufacturedpressure vessel125 due to the weight of themine overburden115 by way of gravity. Layers A1, A2 divided into sub-layers A2B and A2T, and A3 correspond to the manufacturedpressure vessel125. More specifically, layers A1, A2 divided into sub-layers A2B and A2T, and A3 correspond to porous medium parts of the manufacturedpressure vessel125. The porous medium parts A1, A2 divided into sub-layers A2B and A2T, and A3 can contain an earthen material, a spongy material, and/or mineral processing waste. For example, the porous medium part A2B can contain an interior material or mix of materials having a first type, and the porous medium part A2T can contain an internal material or mix of materials having a second type. The porous medium part can have a relatively high fraction by volume of interconnected pores and a relatively high permeability.

The various layers and sub-layers (e.g., A1, A2, and A3) or combination of layers and/or sub-layers (e.g., A1 plus A2 plus A3) of the manufacturedpressure vessel125 can be self-contained pressure cells, as further described below. The internal pressure of a particular layer is dependent on the number and kind of layers above the particular layer. For example, the layer A1 has an internal pressure greater than each of the layers A2 and A3, and the layer A2 has an internal pressure greater than the layer A3. Consequently, the layer A1 can store more energy per unit volume of interconnected pore space than each of the layers A2 and A3, and the layer A2 can store more energy per unit volume of interconnected pore space than the layer A3. In some embodiments, the layer A3 is about eight (8) meters in depth, the layer A2B is about four (4) meters in depth, the layer A2T is about four (4) meters in depth, the layer A3 is about eight (8) meters in depth, and the layer T1 is about twenty-five (25) meters in depth. It will be understood that other suitable dimensions are possible without departing from the various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein.

FIG. 3A illustrates another example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of the bigmass battery110 including the manufacturedpressure vessel125 ofFIG. 1.FIG. 3B illustrates a close-up view of asection305 of the cross sectional view of the bigmass battery110 ofFIG. 3A. Reference is now made toFIGS. 3A and 3B, designated herein as Strip Mine A. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated.

Thepressure vessel125 shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B includes a single pressure cell B. The fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) is contained within the single impermeable pressure cell B. The pressure cell B of thepressure vessel125 can also contain porous earthen materials such as sand, gravel, stones, or the like, within which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can permeate. The pressure cell B can include the interface section140 (ofFIG. 1) through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit thepressure vessel125 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144 ofFIG. 1). Themine overburden115 is shown as a layer T1.

In the close-up view of thesection305 of the cross sectional view of the bigmass battery110, two layers are shown. For example, layer T1 corresponds to themine overburden115, which pressurizes the manufacturedpressure vessel125 due to the weight of themine overburden115 by way of gravity. Layer B is a single layer of the manufacturedpressure vessel125. In other words, in this example embodiment, the manufacturedpressure vessel125 includes a single pressure cell. The bold lines shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B represent pressure cell boundaries of the manufacturedpressure vessel125.

In some embodiments, the mine overburden layer T1 is about twenty-five (25) meters in depth, and the single pressure cell B is about twenty-five (25) meters in depth. It will be understood that other suitable dimensions are possible without departing from the various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein.

FIG. 4A illustrates yet another example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of the bigmass battery110 including the manufacturedpressure vessel125 ofFIG. 1.FIG. 4B illustrates a close-up view of asection405 of the cross sectional view ofFIG. 4A. Reference is now made toFIGS. 4A and 4B, designated herein as Strip Mine B. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated.

Thepressure vessel125 shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B includes two pressure cells C1 and C2. Each of the pressure cells (e.g., C1 and C2) is isolated from the other. In other words, the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) is contained within each individual impermeable pressure cell (e.g., C1 and C2). Each of the pressure cells (e.g., C1 and C2) of thepressure vessel125 can also contain porous earthen materials such as sand, gravel, stones, or the like, within which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can permeate. The lower-situated pressure cell C1 can include the interface section140 (ofFIG. 1) through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit thepressure vessel125 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144 ofFIG. 1). The pressure cell C2 can also include an interface section140 (ofFIG. 1), which can primarily be used to pressurize the pressure cell C2. Themine overburden115 is shown as a layer T1.

In the close-up view of thesection405 of the cross sectional view of the bigmass battery110, three layers (e.g., C1, C2, and T1) are shown. For example, layer T1 corresponds to themine overburden115, which pressurizes the manufacturedpressure vessel125 due to the weight of themine overburden115 by way of gravity. Layer C1 corresponds to a first pressure cell of the manufacturedpressure vessel125. Layer C2 corresponds to a second pressure cell of the manufacturedpressure vessel125. In other words, in this example embodiment, the manufacturedpressure vessel125 includes two separate pressure cells. The bold lines shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B represent pressure cell boundaries of the manufacturedpressure vessel125.

In some embodiments, the mine overburden layer T1 is about twenty-five (25) meters in depth, the upper pressure cell C2 is about twelve (12) meters in depth, and the lower-situated pressure cell C1 is about twelve (12) meters in depth. It will be understood that other suitable dimensions are possible without departing from the various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein.

FIG. 5A illustrates still another example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of the bigmass battery110 including the manufacturedpressure vessel125 ofFIG. 1.FIG. 5B illustrates a close-up view of asection505 of the cross sectional view ofFIG. 5A. Reference is now made toFIGS. 5A and 5B, designated herein as Strip Mine C. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated.

Thepressure vessel125 shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B includes three pressure cells D1, D2, and D3. Each of the pressure cells (e.g., D1, D2, and D3) is isolated from the other. In other words, the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) is contained within each individual impermeable pressure cell (e.g., D1, D2, and D3). Each of the pressure cells (e.g., D1, D2, and D3) of thepressure vessel125 can also contain porous earthen materials such as sand, gravel, stones, or the like, within which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can permeate. The lower-situated pressure cell D1 can include the interface section140 (ofFIG. 1) through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit thepressure vessel125 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144 ofFIG. 1). The pressure cells D2 and D3 can also each include an interface section140 (ofFIG. 1), which can primarily be used to pressurize the pressure cells D2 and D3. Themine overburden115 is shown as a layer T1.

In the close-up view of thesection505 of the cross sectional view of the bigmass battery110, four layers (e.g., D1, D2, D3, and T1) are shown. For example, layer T1 corresponds to themine overburden115, which pressurizes the manufacturedpressure vessel125 due to the weight of themine overburden115 by way of gravity. Layer D1 corresponds to a first pressure cell of the manufacturedpressure vessel125. Layer D2 corresponds to a second pressure cell of the manufacturedpressure vessel125. Layer D3 corresponds to a third pressure cell of the manufacturedpressure vessel125. In other words, in this example embodiment, the manufacturedpressure vessel125 includes three separate pressure cells. The bold lines shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B represent pressure cell boundaries of the manufacturedpressure vessel125.

In some embodiments, the mine overburden layer T1 is about twenty-five (25) meters in depth, the upper pressure cell D3 is about eight (8) meters in depth, the middle pressure cell D2 is about eight (8) meters in depth, and the lower-situated pressure cell D1 is about eight (8) meters in depth. It will be understood that other suitable dimensions are possible without departing from the various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein.

FIG. 6A illustrates another example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of the bigmass battery110 including the manufacturedpressure vessel125 ofFIG. 1.FIG. 6B illustrates a close-up view of a section650 of the manufacturedpressure vessel125 of the cross sectional view ofFIG. 6A. Reference is now made toFIGS. 6A and 6B, designated herein as Strip Mine D/E. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated.

Thepressure vessel125 shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B shows abloated portion610 of the manufacturedpressure vessel125. In other words, the manufacturedpressure vessel125 can lift the mine overburden layer T1. The amount of lift can be about one (1) meter in the case of Strip Mine D, and about two (2) meters in the case of Strip Mine E. The structural elements of the bigmass battery110 for both of the Strip Mine D and the Strip Mine E examples are otherwise essentially the same, and both are referred to in this example embodiment. The lift can be caused by additional volume of the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) added to one or more of the pressure cells (e.g., D1, D2, and D3) of thepressure vessel125. The added volume to thepressure vessel125 can cause thebloat610, which lifts the mine overburden layer T1, thereby increasing the energy storage capacity of the bigmass battery110, as energy storage capacity is proportional to the volume of thepressure vessel125.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example perspective view of a bigmass battery system700 including a bigmass battery710 and a manufacturedpressure vessel725 for energy storage, built in the vicinity of an open pit mine, in accordance with various embodiments of the inventive concept. The bigmass battery710 includesmine waste rock715 disposed atop the manufacturedpressure vessel725.

Large open pit mines tend to be deeper than large coal strip mines, but they tend to cover a lesser map area. Some embodiments of the inventive concept take advantage of big mass in transit at an open pit mine, re-directing the big mass for use as a part of a manufactured big mass pressure vessel. Constructing a big mass pressure vessel using big mass already in transit significantly lowers the costs of building a big mass battery device because some or all of the energy, labor, and treasure required to move the big mass to build the big mass battery device are being spent anyway. In some situations, big mass is not currently in transit but instead in temporary or permanent storage. These sites pose huge clean-up challenges. Big mass batteries as disclosed herein can offer a previously unavailable incentive to re-fill the open pits using the big mass composed of mine waste rock withdrawn from the pit to isolate the various pollution sources at the sites. Open pit mine big mass battery devices can yield higher energy density continuous for a year values relative to strip mine big mass battery devices due to the possible high depth and quantity of the mine waste rock.

General edge boundaries of the bigmass battery710 are indicated by W′, W, Z′, and Z designators. The bigmass battery710 can occupy the open pit mine. Theupper surface720 of themine waste rock715 can be remediated. For example, trees and vegetation (e.g.,135) can be planted to grow on theremediated surface720, farmland cultivated, grazing areas established, or the like. Theupper surface720 of themine waste rock715 can be substantially coplanar with asurface130 of the surrounding terrain. Walls of the manufacturedpressure vessel725 can include a substantially impermeable layer that is capable of substantially containing a fluid such as compressed air, water, or the like. For example, the impermeable layer of the walls of the manufacturedpressure vessel725 can be constructed of rubber. The rubber material can be recycled rubber, for example, from discarded rubber tires. The manufacturedpressure vessel725 can also contain porous earthen materials such as sand, gravel, stones, or the like, within which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can permeate. In some embodiments, the bigmass battery710 is substantially circular with a diameter of about 1600 meters long and has a depth of about 300 meters. It will be understood that other suitable dimensions are possible without departing from the various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein.

Gravity can cause themine waste rock715 to apply pressure to thepressure vessel725. Thepressure vessel725 can include aninterface section140 through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit thepressure vessel725 via one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144). For example, the fluid can enter thepressure vessel725 viapressure line144 and/or exit thepressure vessel725 viapressure line142. The pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144) can include a pipe, a hose, a tunnel, or the like. In some embodiments, a single pressure line can be used through which the fluid can both enter and exit thepressure vessel725. The pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144) can be connected to aturbine center145. Theturbine center145 can include one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155). The one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155) can generate electricity by way of pressurized fluid received via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144). Alternatively or in addition, the one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155) can pump fluid into thepressurized vessel725 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144).

Theturbine center145 can be connected to apower station160 viaelectrical line152. Theelectrical line152 can be, for example, an electrical cable. Theturbine center145 can provide electricity to thepower station160 via theelectrical line152. In some embodiments, theturbine center145 can draw electricity from thepower station160 via theelectrical line152. Thepower station160 can be connected to awind farm165 viaelectrical line170, and/or to asolar farm175 viaelectrical line180. Thepower station160 can receive electricity from thewind farm165 via theelectrical line170, and/or from thesolar farm175 via theelectrical line180. Thepower station160 can provide electricity to the electrical grid via anelectrical line185 andpower grid lines190, and/or receive electricity from the electrical grid via theelectrical line185 and the power grid lines190.

During off-peak times, or when thepower station160 otherwise receives electricity from thewind farm165, thesolar farm175, and/or thepower grid lines190, that is more than can be immediately accommodated or transferred to the grid, thepower station160 can send the excess electricity to theturbine center145 via theelectrical line152. Theturbine center145 can then pump the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) into thepressure vessel725 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144), which provides gravity and pressure-based energy storage on a massive scale.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example cross sectional view taken along Z′-Z of the bigmass battery710 including the manufacturedpressure vessel725 of the bigmass battery710 ofFIG. 7. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated. Thedimensional break805 represents a conceptual break in the length of the bigmass battery710. In other words, there is no actual physical break or physical item shown by805.

The bigmass battery710 can include various layers. For example, layers T1, T2, and T3 correspond to themine waste rock715, which pressurizes the manufacturedpressure vessel725 due to the weight of themine waste rock715 by way of gravity. Layers A1, A2 divided into sub-layers A2B and A2T, and A3 correspond to the manufacturedpressure vessel725. More specifically, layers A1, A2 divided into sub-layers A2B and A2T, and A3 correspond to porous medium parts of the manufacturedpressure vessel725. The porous medium parts A1, A2 divided into sub-layers A2B and A2T, and A3 can contain an earthen material, a spongy material, and/or mineral processing waste. For example, the porous medium part A2B can contain an interior material or mix of materials having a first type, and the porous medium part A2T can contain an interior material or mix of materials having a second type.

The various layers and sub-layers (e.g., A1, A2, and A3) or the combinations of layers and/or sub-layers (e.g., A1 plus A2 plus A3) of the manufacturedpressure vessel725 can be self-contained pressure cells, as further described below. The internal pressure of a particular layer is dependent on the number and kind of layers above the particular layer. For example, the layer A1 has an internal pressure greater than each of the layers A2 and A3, and the layer A2 has an internal pressure greater than the layer A3. Consequently, the layer A1 can store more energy per unit volume of interconnected pore space than each of the layers A2 and A3, and the layer A2 can store more energy per unit volume of interconnected pore space than the layer A3. In some embodiments, each of the layers of the big mass battery710 (i.e., A1, A2, A3, T1, T2, and T3) is about fifty (50) meters in depth, as shown for example by815. Each concentric layer (e.g.,815) of the bigmass battery710 can extend about fifty (50) meters outwardly relative to an edge of the next layer, as shown at810. It will be understood that other suitable dimensions are possible without departing from the various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example cross sectional view taken along Z′-Z of the bigmass battery710 including the manufacturedpressure vessel725 ofFIG. 7. The example embodiment ofFIG. 9 is designated herein as Open Pit Mine A. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated. Thedimensional break805 represents a conceptual break in the length of the bigmass battery710. In other words, there is no actual physical break or physical item shown by805.

Thepressure vessel725 shown inFIG. 9 includes a single pressure cell B. In other words, the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) is contained within the single pressure cell B. The single pressure cell B can also contain porous earthen materials such as sand, gravel, stones, or the like, within which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can permeate. The single pressure cell B can have stepped side walls. In other words, a lower portion of the pressure cell B can have a first diameter, the middle portion of the pressure cell B can have a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and an upper portion of the pressure cell B can have a third diameter greater than the second diameter. The single pressure cell B can include the interface section140 (ofFIG. 1) through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit thepressure vessel725 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144 ofFIG. 1). Themine waste rock715 is shown as layers T1, T2, and T3. The bold lines shown inFIG. 9 represent pressure cell boundaries of the manufacturedpressure vessel725.

In some embodiments, the mine waste rock layer T1 is about fifty (50) meters in depth as shown at815, the mine waste rock layer T2 is about fifty (50) meters in depth, the mine waste rock layer T3 is about fifty (50) meters in depth, and the single pressure cell B of thepressure vessel725 is about 150 meters in depth. Each concentric layer (e.g.,815) of the bigmass battery710 can extend about fifty (50) meters outwardly relative to an edge of the next layer, as shown at810. It will be understood that other suitable dimensions are possible without departing from the various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another example cross sectional view taken along Z′-Z of the bigmass battery710 including the manufacturedpressure vessel725 ofFIG. 7. The example embodiment ofFIG. 10 is designated herein as Open Pit Mine B. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated. Thedimensional break805 represents a conceptual break in the length of the bigmass battery710. In other words, there is no actual physical break or physical item shown by805.

Thepressure vessel725 shown inFIG. 10 includes two pressure cells C1 and C2. Each of the pressure cells (e.g., C1 and C2) is isolated from the other. In other words, the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) is contained within each individual impermeable pressure cell (e.g., C1 and C2). Each of the pressure cells (e.g., C1 and C2) of thepressure vessel725 can also contain porous earthen materials such as sand, gravel, stones, or the like, within which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can permeate. The pressure cells C1 and C2 can have stepped side walls. In other words, a lower portion of the pressure cell C1 can have a first diameter, and an upper portion of the pressure cell C1 can have a second diameter greater than the first diameter. Similarly, a lower portion of the pressure cell C2 can have a first diameter, and an upper portion of the pressure cell C1 can have a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

The lower-situated pressure cell C1 can include the interface section140 (ofFIG. 1) through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit thepressure vessel725 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144 ofFIG. 1). The pressure cell C2 can also include an interface section140 (ofFIG. 1), which can primarily be used to pressurize the pressure cell C2. Themine waste rock715 is shown as layers T1, T2, and T3.

The bigmass battery710 can include five layers (e.g., C1, C2, T1, T2, and T3). For example, layer T1 corresponds to a first layer of themine waste rock715, layer T2 corresponds to a second layer of themine waste rock715, and layer T3 corresponds to a third layer of themine waste rock715, all of which pressurizes the manufacturedpressure vessel725 due to the weight of themine waste rock715 by way of gravity. Layer C1 corresponds to a first pressure cell of the manufacturedpressure vessel725. Layer C2 corresponds to a second pressure cell of the manufacturedpressure vessel725. In other words, in this example embodiment, the manufacturedpressure vessel725 includes two separate pressure cells. The bold lines shown inFIG. 10 represent pressure cell boundaries of the manufacturedpressure vessel725.

In some embodiments, the mine waste rock layer T1 is about fifty (50) meters in depth as shown at815, the mine waste rock layer T2 is about fifty (50) meters in depth, the mine waste rock layer T3 is about fifty (50) meters in depth, the pressure cell C1 of thepressure vessel725 is about seventy-five (75) meters in depth, and the pressure cell C2 of thepressure vessel725 is about seventy-five (75) meters in depth. Each concentric layer (e.g.,815) of the bigmass battery710 can extend about fifty (50) meters outwardly relative to an edge of the next layer, as shown at810. It will be understood that other suitable dimensions are possible without departing from the various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates still another example cross sectional view taken along Z′-Z of the big mass battery including the manufacturedpressure vessel725 ofFIG. 7. The example embodiment ofFIG. 11 is designated herein as Open Pit Mine C. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated. Thedimensional break805 represents a conceptual break in the length of the bigmass battery710. In other words, there is no actual physical break or physical item shown by805.

Thepressure vessel725 shown inFIG. 11 includes three pressure cells D1, D2, and D3. Each of the pressure cells (e.g., D1, D2, and D3) is isolated from the other. In other words, the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) is contained within each individual impermeable pressure cell (e.g., D1, D2, and D3). Each of the pressure cells (e.g., D1, D2, and D3) of thepressure vessel725 can also contain porous earthen materials such as sand, gravel, stones, or the like, within which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can permeate. The pressure cell D1 can have a first diameter. The pressure cell D2 can have a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The pressure cell D3 can have a third diameter greater than the second diameter.

The lower-situated pressure cell D1 can include the interface section140 (ofFIG. 1) through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit thepressure vessel725 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144 ofFIG. 1). The pressure cells D2 and D3 can also each include an interface section140 (ofFIG. 1), which can primarily be used to pressurize the pressure cells D2 and D3. Themine waste rock715 is shown as layers T1, T2, and T3.

The bigmass battery710 can include six layers (e.g., D1, D2, D3, T1, T2, and T3). For example, layer T1 corresponds to a first layer of themine waste rock715, layer T2 corresponds to a second layer of themine waste rock715, and layer T3 corresponds to a third layer of themine waste rock715, all of which pressurizes the manufacturedpressure vessel725 due to the weight of themine waste rock715 by way of gravity. Layer D1 corresponds to a first pressure cell of the manufacturedpressure vessel725, layer D2 corresponds to a second pressure cell of the manufacturedpressure vessel725, and layer D3 corresponds to a third pressure cell of the manufacturedpressure vessel725. In other words, in this example embodiment, the manufacturedpressure vessel725 includes three separate pressure cells. The bold lines shown inFIG. 11 represent pressure cell boundaries of the manufacturedpressure vessel725.

In some embodiments, the mine waste rock layer T1 is about fifty (50) meters in depth as shown at815, the mine waste rock layer T2 is about fifty (50) meters in depth, the mine waste rock layer T3 is about fifty (50) meters in depth, the pressure cell D1 of thepressure vessel725 is about fifty (50) meters in depth, the pressure cell D2 of thepressure vessel725 is about fifty (50) meters in depth, and the pressure cell D3 of thepressure vessel725 is about fifty (50) meters in depth. Each concentric layer (e.g.,815) of the bigmass battery710 can extend about fifty (50) meters outwardly relative to an edge of the next layer, as shown at810. It will be understood that other suitable dimensions are possible without departing from the various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates still another example cross sectional view taken along Z′-Z of the bigmass battery710 including the manufacturedpressure vessel725 of the bigmass battery710 ofFIG. 7. The example embodiment ofFIG. 12 is designated herein as Open Pit Mine D/E. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated. Thedimensional break805 represents a conceptual break in the length of the bigmass battery710. In other words, there is no actual physical break or physical item shown by805.

Thepressure vessel725 shown inFIG. 12 shows abloated portion1205 of the manufacturedpressure vessel725. In other words, the manufacturedpressure vessel725 can lift the mine waste rock layers T1, T2, and/or T3. The amount of lift can be about five (5) meter in the case of Open Pit Mine D, and about ten (10) meters in the case of Open Pit Mine E. The structural elements of the bigmass battery710 for both of the Open Pit Mine D and the Open Pit Mine E examples are otherwise essentially the same, and both are referred to in this example embodiment. The lift can be caused by additional volume of the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) added to one or more of the pressure cells (e.g., D1, D2, and D3) of thepressure vessel725. The added volume to thepressure vessel725 can cause thebloat1205, which lifts the mine waste rock layers T1, T2, or T3, thereby increasing energy storage capacity of the bigmass battery710, as energy storage capacity is proportional to the volume of thepressure vessel725.

FIG. 13 is agraph1300 showing approximate power generation figures for different geometries of the bigmass batteries110 and710 ofFIGS. 1 and 7, respectively. Approximate MW/Tonne values are shown on the y-axis for each of Strip Mine examples A through E described in detail above, and for each of Open Pit Mine examples A through E also described in detail above. The number of pressure vessel layers is shown on the x-axis of thegraph1300.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example plan view of astrip mine1400 having multiple mining strips (e.g., labeled S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5, through SN). General edge boundaries of thestrip mine1400 are indicated by X′, X, Y′, and Y designators. In some embodiments, each mining strip is about one thousand (1000) meters long as shown at1405 and fifty (50) meters wide as shown at1410.

Some embodiments of the inventive concept take advantage of big mass in transit at an active coal strip mine, re-directing the big mass for use as a part of a manufactured big mass pressure vessel. Constructing a big mass pressure vessel using big mass already in transit significantly lowers the costs of building a big mass battery device because some or all of the energy, labor, and treasure required to move the big mass to build the big mass battery device are being spent anyway.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example cross sectional view taken along X′-X of thestrip mine1400 ofFIG. 14 prior to the mining strips (e.g., S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5, through SN) being mined. Thedimensional break1505 represents a conceptual break in the length of thestrip mine1400. In other words, there is no actual physical break or physical item shown by1505.

Ahorizontal coal seam1515 runs along the bottom of thestrip mine1400. Thecoal seam1515 can have adepth1510 of about six (6) meters, and each mining strip (e.g., S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, through SN) can have anoverburden depth1530 of about fifty (50) meters and astrip width1520 of about fifty (50) meters, although it will be understood that other dimensions are possible without departing from the inventive concept disclosed herein.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example cross section view taken along X′-X of thestrip mine1400 ofFIG. 14 after mine overburden is removed in a mining strip S1 from above acoal seam1515. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated. Anactive mining face1605 is exposed after removing the mine overburden in the mining strip S1.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example cross section view taken along X′-X of thestrip mine1400 ofFIG. 14 aftercoal1710 is removed in the mining strip S1 from thecoal seam1515. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated. After mining the strip S1,broken overburden1705 becomes big mass, which is removed from above thecoal seam1515, and stockpiled for later use. Thecoal1710 that has been mined is sent into the economy.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example cross section view taken along X′-X of thestrip mine1400 ofFIG. 14 including apressure cell1802 having a pressure cellbottom part1815 and a pressurecell side part1810 of a pressure vessel disposed in a mining strip S1 in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated.

The pressure cellbottom part1815 can be constructed up to theactive mining face1605. The pressure cellbottom part1815 can include a bottom partprotective layer1805, which can be composed of clay, sand, or other earthen material. The pressure cellbottom part1815 can further include abottom part seal1807, which can be composed of an impermeable layer, such as rubber. The pressure cellbottom part1815 can further include a bottom partprotective layer1809, which can be composed of clay, sand, or other earthen material.

The pressurecell side part1810 can be constructed away from theactive mining face1605. In other words, the pressurecell side part1810 can be constructed on an opposite end of the strip S1 relative to theactive mining face1605. The pressurecell side part1810 can include a substantially vertical side part1808, which can be composed of a geomembrane. The pressurecell side part1810 can further include a substantially vertical side part seal1814, which can be composed of an impermeable layer, such as rubber. The pressurecell side part1810 can further include a cell side part1812, which can be composed of a geomembrane. One ormore interface sections140 can be constructed above the pressure cellbottom part1815 through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit the pressure vessel via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144 ofFIG. 1). In some embodiments, eachinterface section140 can include at least one of a fluid input interface, a fluid output interface, or a water drain interface. The interface can be, for example, a pipe, a hole, a continuous tube, a tunnel, a physical coupling, or the like.

After constructing the pressure cellbottom part1815 and the pressurecell side part1810, mining strip S2 can be cast blasted so that porous material such as themine overburden1820 can be deposited on the pressure cellbottom part1815.

FIG. 19 illustrates another example cross section view taken along X′-X of thestrip mine1400 ofFIG. 14 including the completedpressure cell1802 and additional parts of the pressure vessel disposed in two adjacent mining strips S1 and S2 in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated.

Thepressure cell1802 can have an angle ofrepose1930 of about 30 degrees, which is a natural and safe angle that occurs as a result of the cast blasting of the overburden (e.g.,1820 and1920). Thepressure cell1802 can include atop part1915, which can include the slanted portion due to the angle ofrepose1930 and an upper flat portion, and can be connected to the pressurecell side part1810 and the pressure cellbottom part1815, over theporous overburden1920 that was cast on the pressure cellbottom part1815, to complete theenclosed pressure cell1802. The pressure celltop part1915 can include a top partprotective layer1912, which can be composed of clay, sand, or other earthen material. The pressure celltop part1915 can further include atop part seal1914, which can be composed of an impermeable layer, such as rubber. The pressure celltop part1915 can further include a top partprotective layer1908, which can be composed of clay, sand, or other earthen material.

The pressure celltop part1915 can serve as a pressure cell bottom part of another pressure cell to sit atop thepressure cell1915, and so forth. The pressure celltop part1915 can be constructed atop the interior overburden material (e.g.,1820) that was cast onto the pressure cellbottom part1815 of thepressure cell1802. The pressure cellbottom part1815 of thepressure cell1802 can be extended to theactive mining face1605 in preparation of constructing anotherpressure cell1902. Similarly, the pressurecell side part1810 of thepressure cell1802 can be extended in an upward direction in preparation of constructing yet anotherpressure cell1904. Thereafter, mining strip S3 can be cast blasted so that porous material such as themine overburden1920 can be deposited atop thepressure cell1802, and atop the bottom part of thepressure cell1902.

FIG. 20 illustrates another example cross section view taken along X′-X of thestrip mine1400 ofFIG. 14 including additional parts of the pressure vessel disposed in three adjacent mining strips (e.g., S1, S2, and S3) in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated.

The construction ofpressure cells1902 and1904 can be completed in a similar fashion to that ofpressures cell1802 as described in detail above. Notably, thepressure cell1902 can be in substantially the shape of a rhombus due to the two angles ofrepose1930 and2030. Thepressure cell1904 can be in the shape of a triangle due to the angle ofrepose2040 and the substantially vertical face of the mining strip S1. Each of thepressure cells1802,1902, and1904 can include one ormore interface sections140, as described in detail above.

The pressure cell bottom part of thepressure cell1902 can be extended to theactive mining face1605 in preparation of constructing still anotherpressure cell2002. Thereafter, mining strip S4 can be cast blasted so that porous material such as themine overburden2020 can be deposited atop thepressure cells1902 and1904, and atop the bottom part of thepressure cell2002.

FIG. 21 illustrates another example cross section view taken along X′-X of thestrip mine1400 ofFIG. 14 including additional parts of the pressure vessel disposed in four adjacent mining strips (e.g., S1, S2, S3, and S4) in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept. The construction of pressure cells can proceed in a fashion similar to that described above with reference toFIGS. 18-20. The cast blasting of each mining strip is used not only to fill the pressure cells with porous mine overburden, but also to cast the broken overburden atop the pressure cells as shown at2105. In other words, theoverburden2120 can be cast blast onto the parts of the pressure cells for two purposes: 1) to assist in the construction of the pressure cells, and 2) to build a layer of big mass overburden atop the pressure cells, which pressurizes the manufactured pressure vessel due to the weight of the mine overburden by way of gravity.

FIG. 22 illustrates another example cross section view taken along X′-X of thestrip mine1400 ofFIG. 14 including additional parts (e.g., pressure cell2204) of thepressure vessel2210 disposed in all of the illustrated mining strips (e.g., S1 through SN) in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept. Thedimensional break1505 represents a conceptual break in the length of a completed bigmass battery2215. In other words, there is no actual physical break or physical item shown by1505. The active mining face (e.g.,1605 ofFIG. 16) need not be present in the completed bigmass battery2215.

As shown inFIG. 22, thebig mass battery2215 includes mine overburden (e.g.,2205) disposed atop the manufacturedpressure vessel2210. The manufacturedpressure vessel2210 can include multiple pressure cells (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204). Walls of the manufacturedpressure vessel2210 and of each individual pressure cells (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204) can include a substantially impermeable layer that is capable of substantially containing a fluid such as compressed air, water, or the like. For example, the impermeable layer of the walls of the manufacturedpressure vessel2210 and/or of the individual pressure cells (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204) can be constructed of rubber. The rubber material can be recycled rubber, for example, from discarded rubber tires. Each of the individual pressure cells (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204) can also contain porous earthen materials such as sand, gravel, stones, or the like, within which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can permeate.

Gravity can cause themine overburden2205 to apply pressure to thepressure vessel2210. Each of the pressure cells (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204) of thepressure vessel2210 can include one ormore interface sections140 through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit each of the pressure cells (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204) of thepressure vessel2210 via one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144). For example, the fluid can enter the pressure cell (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204) of thepressure vessel2210 viapressure line144 and/or exit the pressure cell (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204) of thepressure vessel2210 viapressure line142. The pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144) can include a pipe, a hose, a tunnel, or the like. In some embodiments, a single pressure line can be used through which the fluid can both enter and exit a particular pressure cell (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204) of thepressure vessel2210. The pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144) can be connected to aturbine center145. The pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144) can be connected to two or more pressure cells (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204). In some embodiments, the pressure lines coming from each pressure cell (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204) of thepressure vessel2210 can be combined into a single master pressure line, or into two master pressure lines. The single master pressure line and/or the two master pressure lines can be connected to theturbine center145. Theturbine center145 can include one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155). The one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155) can generate electricity by way of pressurized fluid received via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144), or master pressure lines. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155) can pump fluid into thepressurized vessel2210 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144), or master pressure lines.

Theturbine center145 can be connected to apower station160 viaelectrical line152. Theelectrical line152 can be, for example, an electrical cable. Theturbine center145 can provide electricity to thepower station160 via theelectrical line152. In some embodiments, theturbine center145 can draw electricity from thepower station160 via theelectrical line152. Thepower station160 can be connected to awind farm165 viaelectrical line170, and/or to asolar farm175 viaelectrical line180. Thepower station160 can receive electricity from thewind farm165 via theelectrical line170, and/or from thesolar farm175 via theelectrical line180. Thepower station160 can provide electricity to the electrical grid via anelectrical line185 andpower grid lines190, and/or receive electricity from the electrical grid via theelectrical line185 and the power grid lines190.

During off-peak times, or when thepower station160 otherwise receives electricity from thewind farm165, thesolar farm175, and/or thepower grid lines190, that is more than can be immediately accommodated or transferred to the grid, thepower station160 can send the excess electricity to theturbine center145 via theelectrical line152. Theturbine center145 can then pump the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) into the pressure cells (e.g.,1802,1902,2002, and2204) of thepressure vessel2210 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144), which provides gravity and pressure-based energy storage on a massive scale.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example cross section view taken along Y′-Y of thestrip mine1400 ofFIG. 14 including thepressure vessel2210 disposed along the length of a mining strip (e.g., S1) in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated. As can be seen in this length-wise view of a mining strip, each individual pressure cell (e.g.,1802) of thepressure vessel2210 can be contiguous along the entire length as shown at1405 of a particular mining strip (e.g., S1).

FIG. 24 illustrates anexample pressure cell1902 of thepressure vessel2210 ofFIG. 14, including enhanced porosity parts (e.g.,2405 and2410) disposed therein, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept. The enhanced porosity parts can include, for example, porous or semi-porousconcrete blocks2405, perforated piping2410, or the like. The enhanced porosity parts (e.g.,2405 and2410) can provide internal rigid structure to the individual pressure cells (e.g.,1902) while also increasing porosity within the individual pressure cells (e.g.,1902), so that more fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can be stored and pressurized within the pressure vessel2210 (ofFIG. 22).

FIG. 25 illustrates an example perspective view of a bigmass battery system2500 including abig mass battery2510 and a manufacturedpressure vessel2525 for energy storage, built in the vicinity of a landfill, in accordance with various embodiments of the inventive concept.

General edge boundaries of thebig mass battery2510 are indicated by U′, U, V′, and V designators. Thebig mass battery2510 includes landfill municipalsolid waste2515 disposed atop the manufacturedpressure vessel2525, and bigmass side extensions2517 surrounding the landfill municipalsolid waste2515 on all sides. Thebig mass battery2510 can occupy the landfill. Theupper surface2520 of thelandfill waste2515 and the bigmass side extensions2517 can be remediated. For example, trees and vegetation (e.g.,135) can be planted to grow on theremediated surface2520, farmland cultivated, grazing areas established, or the like. Theupper surface2520 of thelandfill waste2515 can be substantially coplanar with asurface130 of the surrounding terrain. Side and upper walls of the manufacturedpressure vessel2525 can include a substantially impermeable layer that is capable of substantially containing a fluid such as compressed air, water, or the like. For example, the impermeable layer of the upper walls of the manufacturedpressure vessel2525 can be constructed of rubber. The rubber material can be part of a landfill bottom liner. Also, for example, the impermeable layer of the side walls can be constructed of concrete, earthen slurry, steel pilings, or the like. Thepressure vessel2525 can also contain porous earthen materials such as natural formation, sand, gravel, stones, or the like, within which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can permeate. In some embodiments, thebig mass battery2510 is about 1200 meters long and about 1200 meters wide. It will be understood that other suitable dimensions are possible without departing from the various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein.

Gravity can cause the landfill municipalsolid waste2515 to apply pressure to thepressure vessel2525. Thepressure vessel2525 can include aninterface section140 through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit thepressure vessel2525 via one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144). For example, the fluid can enter thepressure vessel2525 viapressure line144 and/or exit thepressure vessel2525 viapressure line142. The pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144) can include a pipe, a hose, a tunnel, or the like. In some embodiments, a single pressure line can be used through which the fluid can both enter and exit thepressure vessel2525. The pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144) can be connected to aturbine center145. Theturbine center145 can include one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155). The one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155) can generate electricity by way of pressurized fluid received via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144). Alternatively or in addition, the one or more turbines (e.g.,150 and155) can pump fluid into thepressurized vessel2525 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144).

Theturbine center145 can be connected to apower station160 via anelectrical line152. Theelectrical line152 can be, for example, an electrical cable. Theturbine center145 can provide electricity to thepower station160 via theelectrical line152. In some embodiments, theturbine center145 can draw electricity from thepower station160 via theelectrical line152. Thepower station160 can be connected to awind farm165 viaelectrical line170, and/or to asolar farm175 viaelectrical line180. Thepower station160 can receive electricity from thewind farm165 via theelectrical line170, and/or from thesolar farm175 via theelectrical line180. Thepower station160 can provide electricity to the electrical grid via anelectrical line185 andpower grid lines190, and/or receive electricity from the electrical grid via theelectrical line185 and the power grid lines190.

During off-peak times, or when thepower station160 otherwise receives electricity from thewind farm165, thesolar farm175, and/or thepower grid lines190, that is more than can be immediately accommodated or transferred to the grid, thepower station160 can send the excess electricity to theturbine center145 via theelectrical line152. Theturbine center145 can then pump the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) into thepressure vessel2525 via the one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144), which provides gravity and pressure-based energy storage on a massive scale.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example cross sectional view taken along U′-U of thebig mass battery2510 prior to construction of the manufacturedpressure vessel2525 ofFIG. 25. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated. The layer T1 includes municipalsolid waste2515. Alandfill bottom liner2605 separates the layer T1 and the layer A1. Most landfills have thebottom liner2605 as a standard industry practice. The layer A1 can be a porous medium part composed of natural formation, which is further described below. The layer A2 can be either a porous or a non-porous lower part composed of natural formation, which is further described below. Thelandfill bottom liner2605 serves as a pressure cell top part of a pressure vessel, as further described below.

FIG. 27 illustrates another example cross sectional view taken along U′-U of the big mass battery including the manufacturedpressure vessel2525 ofFIG. 25. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated. The manufacturedpressure vessel2525 can include layer A1, which is a porous medium part composed of natural formation. The manufacturedpressure vessel2525 can include a pressure celltop part2605 composed of thelandfill bottom liner2605. In addition, the manufacturedpressure vessel2525 can include substantially vertical pressurecell side parts2710, which can include a non-porous impermeable layer, such as concrete, earthen slurry, or the like. Moreover, the manufacturedpressure vessel2525 can include a pressure cell bottom part composed of layer A2, which can be a non-porous part composed of natural formation. Bigmass side extensions2517 can be added to pressurize bond between the pressure celltop part2605 and the substantially vertical pressurecell side parts2710. The pressure cell porous medium part layer A1 can be surrounded by the pressure celltop part2605, the pressurecell side parts2710, and the pressure cell bottom part A2.

The manufacturedpressure vessel2525 can include enhanced porosity parts (e.g.,2705 and2706) disposed therein, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept. The enhanced porosity parts can include, for example,tunnels2705,drill holes2706, or the like. The enhanced porosity parts (e.g.,2705 and2706) can maintain the internal rigid structure to the porous medium part layer A1 while also increasing porosity within the porous medium part layer A1, so that more fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can be stored and pressurized within the manufacturedpressure vessel2525.

Thepressure vessel2525 can include an interface section140 (ofFIG. 25) through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit thepressure vessel2525 via one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144 ofFIG. 25).

FIG. 28 illustrates yet another example cross sectional view taken along V′-V of thebig mass battery2510 including the manufacturedpressure vessel2525 ofFIG. 25. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated. This view is of thebig mass battery2510 ofFIG. 27, but taken along V′-V rather than U′-U.

FIG. 29 illustrates still another example cross sectional view taken along U′-U of thebig mass battery2510 including the manufacturedpressure vessel2525 ofFIG. 25. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated.

Thepressure vessel2525 can include alandfill bottom liner2605, which forms a top part of thepressure vessel2525. Thepressure vessel2525 can further include substantiallyvertical side parts2710, which can include an impermeable layer. For example, the impermeable layer of thevertical side parts2710 of thepressure vessel2525 can be constructed of concrete, earthen slurry, steel pilings, or the like. Thebig mass battery2510 can include bigmass side extensions2517 surrounding the landfill municipalsolid waste2515, which can pressurize bond between the pressure celltop part2605 and the substantially vertical pressurecell side parts2710.

In this embodiment, an open bottom high water table is part of thebig mass battery2510. Layer A2 can include either a porous medium part or a non-porous part composed of natural formation. Layer A2 can be a continuation of layer A1. In some embodiments, a porous contact may exist between layers A1 and A2. Layer A1 includes anatural groundwater level2915 that can be within a particular distance of the top surface ofbig mass extensions2517. The particular distance can be between about one (1) meter and five (5) meters. In this example embodiment, the manufacturedpressure vessel2525 includes the porous medium part layer A1 composed of natural formation. In addition, the manufacturedpressure vessel2525 can include at least a part of the layer A2, which can be a porous medium part composed of natural formation, or a non-porous part composed of natural formation. The manufacturedpressure vessel2525 can be surrounded by the pressure celltop part2605, the pressurecell side parts2710 composed of manufactured non-porous medium parts, and the pressure cell bottom part composed of layer A2 porous medium part natural formation, which is below thenatural groundwater level2915. The manufacturedpressure vessel2525 can include enhanced porosity parts (e.g.,2705 and2706 ofFIG. 27) disposed therein, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive concept.

Gravity can cause thelandfill waste2515 to apply pressure to thepressure vessel2525, such that anormal groundwater level2915 is displaced by adisplacement amount2905 to a pressurizedground water level2920. Groundwater displacement is the vertical offset between thenatural groundwater level2915 and the pressurizedground water level2920. Pressure is given by 1000 kg·m⁻³*9.8 m·s⁻²*groundwater displacement (e.g.,2905). Thepressure vessel2525 can include an interface section140 (ofFIG. 25) through which the fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) can enter and exit thepressure vessel2525 via one or more pressure lines (e.g.,142 and144 ofFIG. 25).

FIG. 30 illustrates still another example cross sectional view taken along V′-V, rather than U′-U (ofFIG. 29) of the big mass battery including the manufactured pressure vessel of2525FIG. 25. Some of the elements are described above, and thus, a detailed description of such elements is not repeated.

Energy is stored in a big mass battery device by pushing air into the closed pressure vessel, thereby compressing the air, and thereby increasing the pressure of the air within the big mass battery pressure vessel. Electricity can be produced from the big mass battery device by releasing the pressurized air on-demand to run one or more turbines.

The effective volume of a big mass battery pressure vessel (i.e., the volume available for energy storage using compressed air) may be derived from characteristics of the porous medium part that, for example, can make up a majority of the overall volume of the big mass battery pressure vessel. The porous medium part of the big mass battery pressure vessel can have an average porosity. Porosity is the fraction of material, by volume, that is devoid of solid material, interconnected, filled with air or filled with water, which can be replaced with air. The big mass can have porosities of 0.10-0.20 or higher when incorporated into a big mass battery device. A big mass battery pressure vessel having dimensions on the order of 1 km²map area, 25 meters of depth, and porous medium part porosity of 0.20, has an effective energy storage volume of about 5.0000×10⁶m³.

The big mass that is set upon the pressure vessel can be referred to as a pressurizing big mass part. The pressure vessel can be pressurized by the pressurizing big mass part that is set upon it. The maximum pressure that can be sustained by the big mass pressure vessel can be determined largely by the mass per unit area of the pressurizing big mass part that is set upon the pressure vessel. For example, a pressure vessel that is disposed beneath twenty-five (25) meters of pressurizing big mass part having a density of 2,250 kg·m⁻³may sustain a pressure of about 5.5125×10⁵Pascal (Pa) in pressure cells adjacent to the pressurizing big mass part.

Thus, a big mass pressure vessel of effective volume of 5.0000×10⁶m³filled with air at a pressure of 5.5125×10⁵Pa, producing electricity at an overall efficiency of 0.50, can store about 7.6565×10⁵kW·h per fill, which equates to about 1.1485×10⁸kW·h per year, or 13.10 MW continuous power for one (1) year when filled 300 times per year.

Additional energy may be stored in a big mass battery device by continuing to pump air into the pressure vessel, thereby lifting the pressurizing big mass part that is set upon the pressure vessel, thereby increasing the volume of the pressure vessel. For example, lifting the pressurizing big mass part by an average of one (1) meter can yield a volume added due to lift of the big mass pressure vessel top part and overlying pressurizing big mass part of about 1.0000×10⁶m³, stores about 1.5313×10⁵kW·h per fill, which equates to about 2.2970×10⁷kW·h per year, or about 2.62 MW continuous power for one (1) year when filled 300 times per year.

In some embodiments, enhanced porosity parts are added to the pressure cell interior. In some embodiments, underground mine workings or caverns can be converted to one or more pressure cell for a big mass battery pressure vessel.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention may be built by re-activating and putting back into transit, for another purpose such as minimizing pollution sources, big mass that had previously been placed in temporary or permanent storage. Some of humanity's most toxic and/or undesirable materials may be placed in a big mass battery device to fully contain, isolate, and control them, such as material that produces additional unwanted negative effects due to exposure to and/or chemical connection with the surface and near-surface environment. Constructing a big mass battery device using re-activated, previously stored big mass may be desirable to society, especially if moving the big mass accomplishes another societal goal such as environmental cleanup associated with and/or remediated by moving the big mass.

Several types of pollution may be associated with big mass removed from and permanently stored next to an open pit mine. For example, water may accumulate in an inactive open pit and the water may become highly polluted due to chemical and physical interaction between the meteoric and/or ground water, atmosphere, and rock exposed within the pit by the mining activity. Pollutants may be derived from and emanate from the stored big mass due to chemical and physical interaction between meteoric and/or ground water, the atmosphere, and rock exposed within the big mass by the mining Big mass in the form of old municipal solid waste, old mine waste sites, coal ash, and chemically and/or isotopically contaminated soil and rock may be moved, sorted, consolidated, isolated, and controlled by constructing a big mass battery device. Alternative embodiments of the present invention may use municipal solid waste previously placed into permanent storage. Pollution associated with the big mass may be stopped and remediated.

Some embodiments include a big mass battery, comprising a manufactured pressure vessel including one or more pressure cells having an impermeable layer containing porous material in which air can permeate, and a big mass layer disposed atop the manufactured pressure vessel to pressurize the air within the pressure vessel.

In some embodiments, the impermeable layer includes rubber from recycled vehicle tires. In some embodiments, the big mass layer has a total weight of between one (1) million and one (1) billion tonnes, or more. In some embodiments, the big mass layer includes a remediated upper surface including at least one of a tree, vegetation, farmland, or a grazing area. In some embodiments, a depth of the manufactured pressure vessel is about twenty-five (25) meters, and a depth of the big mass layer is about twenty-five (25) meters.

In some embodiments, the big mass battery further comprises an interface section through which the air can enter and exit the pressure vessel, one or more pressure lines coupled to the interface section, and a turbine center coupled to the one or more pressure lines, wherein the turbine center includes one or more turbines configured to generate electricity in response to the pressurized air received through the one or more pressure lines.

In some embodiments, the one or more turbines are configured to pump air through the one or more pressure lines into the pressure vessel to pressurize the pressure vessel. In some embodiments, the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises a first impermeable pressure cell containing first porous earthen materials and first pressurized air, a second impermeable pressure cell atop the first impermeable pressure cell, the second impermeable pressure cell containing second porous earthen materials and second pressurized air, an interface section in the first impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the first pressurized air can enter and exit the first impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, an interface section in the second impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the second pressurized air can enter and exit the second impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, and one or more pressure lines coupled to the interface section. In some embodiments, the big mass battery occupies a strip mine.

In some embodiments, the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises a first impermeable pressure cell containing first porous earthen materials and first pressurized air a second impermeable pressure cell atop the first impermeable pressure cell, the second impermeable pressure cell containing second porous earthen materials and second pressurized air, a third impermeable pressure cell atop the second impermeable pressure cell, the third impermeable pressure cell containing third porous earthen materials and third pressurized air, an interface section in the first impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the first pressurized air can enter and exit the first impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, an interface section in the second impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the second pressurized air can enter and exit the second impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, an interface section in the third impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the third pressurized air can enter and exit the third impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, and one or more pressure lines coupled to the interface section, wherein the big mass battery occupies a strip mine.

In some embodiments, the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises a single impermeable pressure cell containing porous earthen materials and pressurized air, wherein a lower portion of the pressure cell has a first diameter, a middle portion of the pressure cell has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and an upper portion of the pressure cell has a third diameter greater than the second diameter, an interface section in the impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the pressurized air can enter and exit the impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, and one or more pressure lines coupled to the interface section, wherein the big mass battery occupies an open pit mine.

In some embodiments, the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises a first impermeable pressure cell containing first porous earthen materials and first pressurized air, wherein a lower portion of the first pressure cell has a first diameter, and an upper portion of the first pressure cell has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, a second impermeable pressure cell atop the first impermeable pressure cell, the second impermeable pressure cell containing second porous earthen materials and second pressurized air, wherein a lower portion of the second pressure cell has a first diameter, and an upper portion of the second pressure cell has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, an interface section in the first impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the first pressurized air can enter and exit the first impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, an interface section in the second impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the second pressurized air can enter and exit the second impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, and one or more pressure lines coupled to the interface section, wherein the big mass battery occupies an open pit mine.

In some embodiments, the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises a first impermeable pressure cell containing first porous earthen materials and first pressurized air, wherein the first impermeable pressure cell has a first diameter a second impermeable pressure cell atop the first impermeable pressure cell, the second impermeable pressure cell containing second porous earthen materials and second pressurized air, wherein the second impermeable pressure cell has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, a third impermeable pressure cell atop the second impermeable pressure cell, the third impermeable pressure cell containing third porous earthen materials and third pressurized air, wherein the third impermeable pressure cell has a third diameter greater than the second diameter, an interface section in the first impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the first pressurized air can enter and exit the first impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, an interface section in the second impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the second pressurized air can enter and exit the second impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, an interface section in the third impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the third pressurized air can enter and exit the third impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, and one or more pressure lines coupled to the interface section, wherein the big mass battery occupies an open pit mine.

In some embodiments, the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises a first impermeable substantially rhombus pressure cell containing first porous earthen materials, first pressurized air, and a first interface section through which the first pressurized air can enter and exit the first impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, a second impermeable pressure cell atop the first impermeable pressure cell, the second impermeable pressure cell containing second porous earthen materials, second pressurized air, and a second interface section through which the second pressurized air can enter and exit the second impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, and a third impermeable substantially rhombus pressure cell adjacent the first impermeable pressure cell, the third impermeable pressure cell containing third porous earthen materials, third pressurized air, and a third interface section through which the third pressurized air can enter and exit the third impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel, wherein the big mass battery occupies a strip mine.

In some embodiments, the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises a landfill bottom liner, one or more substantially vertical impermeable pressure cell side parts coupled to the landfill bottom liner, a first pressure cell porous medium part layer including natural formation and containing pressurized air, an interface section in the first pressure cell porous medium part layer of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the pressurized air can enter and exit the first pressure cell of the pressure vessel, and one or more pressure lines coupled to the interface section, wherein the big mass battery occupies a landfill.

Some embodiments of the inventive concept include a method for constructing a big mass battery using big mass in transit at a strip mine. The method can include removing first mine overburden of a first mining strip from a coal seam of the strip mine, disposing an impermeable pressure cell bottom part in the first mining strip up to an active mining face of the strip mine, disposing an impermeable pressure cell side part in the first mining strip on an opposite end of the mining strip relative to the active mining face, and cast blasting a second mining strip so that second porous mine overburden is deposited on the pressure cell bottom part.

The method can include disposing one or more interface sections on the pressure cell bottom part, disposing an impermeable pressure cell top part over the second porous mine overburden deposited on the pressure cell bottom part, and connecting the impermeable pressure cell top part to the impermeable pressure cell side part and to the impermeable pressure cell bottom part.

The impermeable pressure cell top part can be referred to as a first impermeable pressure cell top part. The method can further include extending the impermeable pressure cell bottom part in the first mining strip into the second mining strip up to the active mining face of the strip mine, vertically extending the impermeable pressure cell side part in the first mining strip, cast blasting a third mining strip so that third porous mine overburden is deposited on the extended pressure cell bottom part, and on the first impermeable pressure cell top part, disposing one or more interface sections on the extended pressure cell bottom part, disposing one or more interface sections on the first impermeable pressure cell top part, disposing a second impermeable pressure cell top part over the third porous mine overburden deposited on the first impermeable pressure cell top part, and connecting the second impermeable pressure cell top part to the extended pressure cell side part and to the first impermeable pressure cell top part.

In some embodiments, disposing the impermeable pressure cell bottom part further comprises disposing a first bottom part protective layer including earthen material, disposing a bottom part seal on the first bottom part protective layer, wherein the bottom part seal includes rubber, and disposing a second bottom part protective layer on the bottom part seal, wherein the second bottom part protective layer includes earthen material.

In some embodiments, disposing the impermeable pressure cell side part further comprises disposing a first side part in the first mining strip on the opposite end of the mining strip relative to the active mining face, wherein the first side part includes a geomembrane, disposing a substantially vertical side part seal adjacent to the first side part, wherein the side part seal includes an impermeable layer of rubber, and disposing a second side part adjacent the vertical side part seal, wherein the second side part includes a geomembrane.

Having described and illustrated the principles of the invention with reference to illustrated embodiments, it will be recognized that the illustrated embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles, and can be combined in any desired manner And although the foregoing discussion has focused on particular embodiments, other configurations are contemplated. In particular, even though expressions such as “according to an embodiment of the invention” or the like are used herein, these phrases are meant to generally reference embodiment possibilities, and are not intended to limit the invention to particular embodiment configurations. As used herein, these terms can reference the same or different embodiments that are combinable into other embodiments.

Consequently, in view of the wide variety of permutations to the embodiments described herein, this detailed description and accompanying material is intended to be illustrative only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. What is claimed as the invention, therefore, is all such modifications as may come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims (13)

The invention claimed is:

1. A big mass battery, comprising:

a manufactured pressure vessel including one or more pressure cells having one or more impermeable layers containing porous material in which air can permeate; and

a big mass layer disposed atop the manufactured pressure vessel to pressurize the air within the pressure vessel,

wherein the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises:

a first impermeable pressure cell containing first porous earthen materials and first pressurized air;

a second impermeable pressure cell atop the first impermeable pressure cell, the second impermeable pressure cell containing second porous earthen materials and second pressurized air;

an interface section in the first impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the first pressurized air can enter and exit the first impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel;

an interface section in the second impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the second pressurized air can enter and exit the second impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel; and

one or more pressure lines coupled to the interface section,

wherein the big mass battery occupies a strip mine.

2. The big mass battery ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more impermeable layers includes rubber from recycled vehicle tires.

3. The big mass battery ofclaim 1, wherein the big mass layer has a total mass of between one (1) million and one (1) billion tonnes.

4. The big mass battery ofclaim 1, wherein the big mass layer includes a remediated upper surface including at least one of a tree, vegetation, farmland, or a grazing area.

5. The big mass battery ofclaim 1, wherein a depth of the manufactured pressure vessel is twenty-five (25) meters, and a depth of the big mass layer is twenty-five (25) meters.

6. The big mass battery ofclaim 1, further comprising:

one or more interface sections through which the air can enter and exit the pressure vessel;

one or more pressure lines coupled to the one or more interface sections; and

a turbine center coupled to the one or more pressure lines, wherein the turbine center includes one or more turbines configured to generate electricity in response to the pressurized air received through the one or more pressure lines.

7. The big mass battery ofclaim 6, wherein the one or more turbines are configured to pump air through the one or more pressure lines into the pressure vessel to pressurize the pressure vessel.

8. The big mass battery ofclaim 1, wherein the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises:

a third impermeable pressure cell atop the second impermeable pressure cell, the third impermeable pressure cell containing third porous earthen materials and third pressurized air; and

an interface section in the third impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the third pressurized air can enter and exit the third impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel.

9. The big mass battery ofclaim 1, wherein:

the interface section is referred to as a first interface section;

the first impermeable pressure cell is a first impermeable substantially rhombus pressure cell containing the first porous earthen materials, the first pressurized air, and the first interface section through which the first pressurized air can enter and exit the first impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel;

the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises:

a second impermeable substantially rhombus pressure cell atop the first impermeable pressure cell, the second impermeable pressure cell containing second porous earthen materials, second pressurized air, and a second interface section through which the second pressurized air can enter and exit the second impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel; and

a third impermeable substantially rhombus pressure cell adjacent the first impermeable pressure cell, the third impermeable pressure cell containing third porous earthen materials, third pressurized air, and a third interface section through which the third pressurized air can enter and exit the third impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel.

10. A big mass battery, comprising:

a manufactured pressure vessel including one or more pressure cells having one or more impermeable layers containing porous material in which air can permeate; and

a big mass layer disposed atop the manufactured pressure vessel to pressurize the air within the pressure vessel,

wherein the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises:

a single impermeable pressure cell containing porous earthen materials and pressurized air, wherein a lower portion of the pressure cell has a first diameter, a middle portion of the pressure cell has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and an upper portion of the pressure cell has a third diameter greater than the second diameter;

an interface section in the impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the pressurized air can enter and exit the impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel; and

one or more pressure lines coupled to the interface section,

wherein the big mass battery occupies an open pit mine.

11. A big mass battery, comprising:

a manufactured pressure vessel including one or more pressure cells having one or more impermeable layers containing porous material in which air can permeate; and

a big mass layer disposed atop the manufactured pressure vessel to pressurize the air within the pressure vessel,

wherein the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises:

a first impermeable pressure cell containing first porous earthen materials and first pressurized air, wherein a lower portion of the first pressure cell has a first diameter, and an upper portion of the first pressure cell has a second diameter greater than the first diameter;

a second impermeable pressure cell atop the first impermeable pressure cell, the second impermeable pressure cell containing second porous earthen materials and second pressurized air, wherein a lower portion of the second pressure cell has a first diameter, and an upper portion of the second pressure cell has a second diameter greater than the first diameter;

an interface section in the first impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the first pressurized air can enter and exit the first impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel;

an interface section in the second impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the second pressurized air can enter and exit the second impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel; and

one or more pressure lines coupled to the interface section,

wherein the big mass battery occupies an open pit mine.

12. The big mass battery ofclaim 11, wherein the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises:

a third impermeable pressure cell atop the second impermeable pressure cell, the third impermeable pressure cell containing third porous earthen materials and third pressurized air, wherein the third impermeable pressure cell has a third diameter greater than the second diameter; and

an interface section in the third impermeable pressure cell of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the third pressurized air can enter and exit the third impermeable pressure cell of the pressure vessel.

13. A big mass battery, comprising:

a manufactured pressure vessel including one or more pressure cells having one or more impermeable layers containing porous material in which air can permeate; and

a big mass layer disposed atop the manufactured pressure vessel to pressurize the air within the pressure vessel,

wherein the manufactured pressure vessel further comprises:

a landfill bottom liner;

one or more substantially vertical impermeable pressure cell side parts coupled to the landfill bottom liner;

a first pressure cell porous medium part layer including natural formation and containing pressurized air;

an interface section in the first pressure cell porous medium part layer of the manufactured pressure vessel through which the pressurized air can enter and exit the first pressure cell of the pressure vessel; and

one or more pressure lines coupled to the interface section,

wherein the big mass battery occupies a landfill.

Images